.30-30 ammunition for whitetail deer hunting?

Over the years, I've used Winchester Super-X (150 grain), Federal Fusion (170 grain), and the Leverevolution stuff (160 grain FTX). In my experience, on deer sized game, at typical "open sighted, lever gun range", the difference in downrange performance is moot. They'll all do the same thing when they hit home, just fine. You should base your choice in ammo, based on what you gun shoots best. Buy a few different brands, and spend a day on the bench. Pick whatever shoots the most consistent for your particular gun.

If you have a scope on your .30-30 (I did for awhile), then you will absolutely see the advantages to the Leverevolution. I felt perfectly comfortable touching out to 250 yards with mine at the time.

People get very caught up with the ingenuity that is their flex tip spitzer bullet. They tend to forget the other great things about the cartridge. Hornady also uses a different powder (I believe its what they use in their short action magnums), that gives a nice increase in velocity. On top of all that, the bullet itself is up to the usual Hornady quality.

On paper, this is obviously the hands down winner. But as I said before, in the field at short ranges, it doesn't really matter. Just shoot whatever your particular gun shoots best.

They also put out a 140 grain "Mono-Flex" round that looks to be top notch as well. I haven't had any experience with this yet, but I expect it to be a good performer.

Now, this is all on deer sized game. If you were wanting to use your 30-30 for larger game, as some people have in the past. Then I would absolutely be more critical on bullet selection.

As for the gun I used, it is a pre-Remington Marlin 336SS. I've never heard of Marlins having any problem with the Hornady stuff (but there was the short period of time after the buyout when the quality control was a bit lacking). if it makes any difference, I believe Hornady uses Marlin rifles when conducting their testing for lever guns.

Hornady LeveRevolution is the factory ammo I'd suggest for 30-30 use;not only because it provides more velocity and some more range but bullet terminal performance is excellent. They also come in 140 and 160 grain. I don't personally use/reload for 30-30 because I need extended range performance but I do use a "premium" bullet with similar terminal performance as the Hornady.

Using newer designed bullets like the LeveRevolution might cost a bit more initially but consider it cheap hunting insurance.

http://www.hornady.com/store/leverevolution

I like using heavier bullets (if the rifle shoots them well) because the momentum and sectional density helps with penetration so I would start with the 160s;recoil isn't going to be an issue with the 30-30 either so moving up a little is fine.

Most of the 30/30 ammo I have ever shot was about 150 gr....just like the Hornady I have for my 308. I like it as a decent all-around round...lol.

I use federal 170grn NP, in part it's also bear season where I hunt.